The 25-year rule: let's get an eligible car list started (with pics)

Let's face it, pretty much everyone here on this forum wants at least one car that was never sold in the good old US of A. A couple months down the line here, I'm going to be looking for something new to motor around in (why, you ask? seriously, this is GRM, I don't need a reason) and I'm trying to build my database of neat stuff we never got here. Overseas freight is not THAT expensive, I'm sure others may be interested as well, so let's see what we can come up with. For the sake of the thread, let's try to keep it GRM price-worthy, sure a Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione would be nice, but that's a little unrealistic. Let's also try to keep it to enthusiast vehicles. Any information on what countries said vehicle was sold in is helpful, but not required.

I will maintain this first post with a list of the eligible cars.

THE MASTER LIST (so far):

Ford Escort (Europe, 1968-86)

Ford Falcon (Australia, 1960-86)

Ford Granada (Europe, 1972-86)

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (Europe, 1986)

Holden Commodore (Australia, 1978-86)

Honda 1300/145 (Japan, 1969-74)

Isuzu 117 Coupe (Japan/Europe, 1968-81)

Isuzu Bellett GT/GT-R (Japan, 1964-73)

Mini Cooper/Cooper S (Europe, 1961-86)

Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO (1970-76)

Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo (Japan/Europe, 1980-86)

Nissan Skyline GT/GT-R/RS Turbo (Japan, 1971-86)

Opel Manta GT/E (Europe, 1975-86)

Peugeot 205 GTi (Europe, 1984-86)

Talbot Sunbeam Ti/Lotus (Europe, 1979-81)

Triumph Dolomite Sprint (Europe, 1973-80)

Here's what I have thought of so far.

Isuzu 117 Coupe (1968-81)

Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo (1980-86)

Nissan Skyline RS Turbo (1981-85)

Peugeot 205 GTi (1984-86)

Triumph Dolomite Sprint (1973-80)

I like where this is going.

or in unmolested form

and

SlickDizzy wrote: Here's what I have thought of so far. Isuzu 117 Coupe (1968-81) <img

This is amazingly similiar to the Opel Manta. GM did a some badge engineering between Opel and Isuzu. Still cool though.

My submition, German Ford Granada. Used to see these in Korea in the late 80's and thought they were a good intermediate size car that would look good with the proper stance.

SlickDizzy wrote: Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo (1980-86)

Whole
Lee
BERK

Thats hot. i think I just found a new project...wonder how hard it is to put the steering on the proper side of the interior?

IMHO it's not usually worth the effort - just learn how to drive a RHD vehicle.

Le CAR!

I'd sure like to get a BMW 325ix touring when they turn 25 in a couple years.

stuart in mn wrote: I'd sure like to get a BMW 325ix touring when they turn 25 in a couple years.

Did you see that on on BaT a week or so ago?

Maybe Lesley would be so kind as to take care of it for a couple of years....

stuart in mn wrote: I'd sure like to get a BMW 325ix touring when they turn 25 in a couple years.

Like the AWD LHD imported one for sale on Kijiji in BC? Or the red one with 90,000kms on it and the mtech package in Ontario?

hehehehehe For being in a place that is about less government, sometimes you guys sure do seem to have more of it

E30 Touring is on my list as well. And it should drop the price since they will be at least somewhat attainable compared to now.

Holden VK Commodore SS Group 3.

Then I'd finish the homologation.

SlickDizzy wrote: Here's what I have thought of so far. Isuzu 117 Coupe (1968-81) Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo (1980-86) Nissan Skyline RS Turbo (1981-85) Peugeot 205 GTi (1984-86) Triumph Dolomite Sprint (1973-80)

Are you in my head? Get out, already! Excellent choices... I can't imagine having to choose just one from this list.

Unfortunately the hotted-up Nissan Pulsar and the E30 touring still have a few years, so they're not on the list...yet. Thought of a few others, though:

Isuzu Bellett GT/GT-R

Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

Opel Manta B

OK Keith I call your bid and raise you

or one of one Phase 4

wlkelley3 wrote: This is amazingly similiar to the Opel Manta. GM did a some badge engineering between Opel and Isuzu. Still cool though.

Believe it or not, the 117 was actually designed by Italdesign/Giugiaro before GM bought a stake in Isuzu. It is also a substantially bigger car than a Manta.

aussiesmg wrote: OK Keith I call your bid and raise you or one of one Phase 4

I like to refer to my MGB GT as a "GTHO", I'm not sure how many people get it I was mostly looking at cars that were just turning 25, and I remember watching Brock at the mountain in the VK.

Besides, a GTHO Phase III will cost you more than a Ferrari 288 GTO!

HB Mazda 929 or Cosmo please:

JFX001 wrote:

stuart in mn wrote: I'd sure like to get a BMW 325ix touring when they turn 25 in a couple years.

Did you see that on on BaT a week or so ago? Maybe Lesley would be so kind as to take care of it for a couple of years....

There are any number of us Canadians that would be pleased to take care of some of these cars for you for a couple of years.

Ford laser?

Joey

Fiesta XR2 Mk1

Last of the Capri's

Lancia Delta Integrale

E30 Touring

Hyundai Pony pickup